Wednesday, 16 April 2014

Spring Fever Challenge.
We've been a bit distracted with all the new pretties that have been arriving in the shop lately and haven't posted for a while. But what a nice post to get us back up and running... The Spring Fever Challenge run by Blueberri Beads, Thea Elements and Smitten Beads.

I was quite excited to get my pack and see what surprise components I had to play with. But as the name suggests, it was definitely a challenge for me. True to form, the components Lesley and Caroline sent are beautiful and the ribbon from Smitten Beads was yummy. The main challenge for me was the colours, as these are not what i would usually choose for myself.

So after i got over the colour phobe moment I needed to work out the design. Well I played around with the idea of wiring it all together, but in the end I decided to do what I do best and use bead embroidery. I didn't want the birds to hang off the main flower focal, so I embroidered round them as if they are sitting on the flower itself. Coming off the focal I strung a few seeds, some of the new gorgeous Czech beads that we recently got in the shop (I've been dying to use them :)) and a little bit of Swarovski crystal. I attached this to the ribbon and added a handmade clasp.

And here he is...

Overall I'm in love with this design as its a bit different to what i'd usually do in my embroidery. So i would like to say a bit thank you to Caroline, Lesley and Claire for including me in this challenge. Hope everyone likes what i made and now i'm off to see what everyone else has done.

Vicky - I just love this...a perfect evocation of spring and I'm monumentally impressed that you got all your elements into one piece and created such a stylish piece! Thank you so much for joining us in this challenge.

I just love the colors of your design. That is totally in my wheelhouse, but isn't it funny how you get what pushes you? I got loads of pink and I am not at all a fluffy pink sort of girl! I adore the bead embroidery you did. And to add those birds to it is pure genius! Thank you for sharing your spring fever! Enjoy the day. Erin

Wow, brilliant and beautiful. I love the birds "nesting" & nurtured by the beautiful flower! Your embroidery works so well, and the necklace crystals & colors are amazing! Gorgeous and whimsical, original and lovely. Bravo! Gracias for sharing! Rita